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Rap ~ HipHop
NEWSLETTER
Rap ~ HipHop
NEWSLETTER
Posted 4 JUNE 2001
"Stay Human"
Spearhead
Our price: $12.99 | You save: $3.98
...more here.
Who is this generation's Marvin Gaye? It may well be Spearhead
leader Michael Franti. He sings and raps from the heart, haunted by
hollow words and hypocrisy. Stay Human is Franti's What's Going On,
a risky, gorgeous album that dissects our society's sicknesses and
posits soul music as a cure. This music is equal parts hip-hop
attitude, R&B grooves, and poetic intelligence. A must-have.
"Miss E...So Addictive [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Missy Elliott
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $4.98
...more here.
Missy Elliott's latest straddles the line between R&B and
hip-hop, but with Timbaland's amazing production, who cares what
it's called? Professional stutterer Elliott's rhyming and singing
skills leave a lot to be desired, but the beats almost make up for
her weaknesses.
"Infectious [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Jigmastas
Our price: $15.99 | You save: $1.98
...more here.
Brooklyn's Jigmastas have it made: DJ Spinna provides supple,
bottom-heavy beats and MC Kriminul rocks the mike. Guest spots from
the cream of hip-hop's underground keep it moving.
"Thugs Are Us [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Trick Daddy
Our price: $14.99 | You save: $2.98
...more here.
Everybody's favorite Dirty South thug is back with another set of
his catchy criminal music. Trick Daddy's filthy, ignorant rhymes and
the funked-up production of his team bring gems like the upbeat
James Brown-jacking single, "Take It to da House."
COMING SOON
"Cuts for Luck & Scars for Free [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Mystic
Our price: $12.32 | You save: $0.65
...more here.
Bay Area singer/rapper Mystic could well be the next Lauryn Hill.
She's got the vocal chops and the rap skills, plus a healthy dose of
intelligence and social consciousness. The beats on her debut are
covered by the Angel, Chops, and Spontaneous, underground royalty.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"Genocide & Juice [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Coup
Our price: $11.97
...more here.
Oakland's the Coup are amazing. Rapper Boots Riley is one of the
most underrated MCs in hip-hop, astoundingly talented and yet seldom
name-checked. He combines Ice Cube's anger and the razor-sharp wit
of Oscar Wilde. Though Dead Prez may be making the most visible
hardcore political hip-hop around, in some ways the Coup does it
better: they've got a sense of humor and they've got the funk. With
DJ Pam the Funkstress's turntable skills and Boots's brilliant
lyrics, Genocide and Juice incorporates slithering funk grooves that
would make George Clinton proud. This ain't Snoop.
SPOTLIGHT: MF DOOM
"Black Bastards"
Kmd
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...more here.
Never released due to its controversial cover, which features a
Sambo figure being hanged, 1994's Black Bastards is a great
testament to the early '90s' new school of rap, with its irreverence
and glee. It's also well worth the wait, with a collage of upbeat
jazz and hilarious rhymes, in the tradition of De La Soul's Three
Feet High and Rising.
"Operation: Doomsday"
Mf Doom
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...more here.
Years since his career in KMD, MF Doom is still making that molten
music with his mouth. Though his rhyme style is more deliberate and
less lighthearted now (no wonder, given that his partner-in-rhyme
and brother was killed, and his record label didn't have the guts to
put out his album), he's still a very creative artist. On Operation:
Doomsday, he incorporates a comic-book theme into his rhymes, with
archvillains and heroes duking it out in the album's interludes.
With head-nodding, buttery beats and authoritative rhymes, Doom is
back with a vengeance.
PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT
"Hi-Teknology"
Hi-Tek
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $2.98
...more here.
After making his mark working with Black Star and Reflection
Eternal, Cincinnati rhythm king Hi-Tek is back with his very own
album. Here, he further demonstrates his deftness with voluptuous
bass-heavy beats, customized for A-list guest MCs.
"Petestrumentals"
Pete Rock
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...more here.
Legendary producer Pete Rock is back with his own instrumental
collection, part of the U.K.'s BBE Records' Beat Generation series.
Rock's gorgeous, fat beats have always been some of the best in
hip-hop, and here they hold their own, in spite of not having an MC
to play off of.
BACK IN THE DAYS
"Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980-1985 [EXTRA TRACKS]"
Afrika Bambaataa
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $2.98
...more here.
Although Afrika Bambaataa is one of the most influential DJs in the
history of hip-hop, it's not easy to find his work if you're not a
vinyl fiend. This new compilation fills the void. Part of Tommy
Boy's 20th Anniversary Series, it includes all of Bambaataa's
seminal sides, like "Planet Rock," "Renegades of Funk," and "Zulu
Nation Throwdown."
"Wild Pitch Classics [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Our price: $11.97
...more here.
Wild Pitch was one of the most important independent hip-hop labels
of the early '90s, with acts like Gang Starr, Main Source, and Chill
Rob G on its roster. This excellent collection compiles some of Wild
Pitch's greatest moments, including tracks like Main Source's
seminal "Live at the Barbeque," which includes Nas's blazing first
recorded verse. It also features O.C.'s "Time's Up," an all-time
classic, and the Coup's bumping "Dig It." A great introduction to
the cream of the early-'90s underground.
RAP READING
"The White Boy Shuffle"
Paul Beatty
Our price: $10.40 | You save: $2.60
...more here.
Author Paul Beatty's been called the poet laureate of the hip-hop
generation, and with good reason. It doesn't get much better than
this book. Beatty is one of the most astute observers of race
relations since Franz Fanon, and he actually has a sense of humor as
well. The White Boy Shuffle is the type of book that will make you
laugh so hard you cry, and vice versa. The characters are so vividly
drawn, and the language so round-the-way that you'll feel like
you're there. Brilliant!
NEW AND NOTABLE Posted 2 MAY 2001
"Second Nature"
All Natural
...more here.
Chicago crew All Natural are one of the most articulate, intelligent
voices in the underground. When MC Avenger Capitol D took some time
off after converting to Islam, many worried that All Natural would
go AWOL. Fortunately, however, they're back with "Second Nature" on
Chicago indie label Thrill Jockey, serving up more of those great
beats and rhymes we've learned to expect from them.
"Yin & The Yang [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Cappadonna
...more here.
One of the Wu-Tang's extended core, Cappadonna's sophomore set
combines the familiar (his stream-of-consciousness, trademark-Wu
flow) with the surprising (an appearance by Jermaine Dupri and Da
Brat). "The Yin and the Yang" is certainly appropriately named.
"Exit Wounds (2001 Film) [EXPLICIT LYRICS] [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists - Soundtrack
...more here.
Given the violent histories of both DMX and Steven Seagal (on wax
and on screen, respectively), it's no surprise that the soundtrack
to their new movie, "Exit Wounds," is a little on the aggro side.
With tracks from A-list MCs like Redman and Nas, it's an appropriate
accompaniment to this street story.
"Up Close & Personal [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Angie Martinez
...more here.
Being an MC may seem simple at first glance: you just have to rhyme
words together. But hearing well-connected New York City radio
personality Angie Martinez attempting to rock the mic makes one
appreciate what a real MC sounds like, including those she features
on her debut album (like Jay Z, Kool G Rap, and Snoop Dogg).
Martinez should definitely not give up her day job, but some of the
beats on "Up Close and Personal" are pretty tight.
COMING SOON
"Infectious [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Jigmastas
...more here.
Brooklyn's Jigmastas may have surfaced in the underground five years
ago, but "Infectious" is their full-length debut. With beats from
the excellent DJ Spinna, and substantial lyrics, they've got it
made.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"By Design [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Grand Agent
...more here.
Grand Agent's confident debut, "By Design," is straight-up,
well-prepared hip-hop. The Philly native tussles nimbly with
well-muscled beats of the DJ Premier school, as on "Rap Niggaz" and
"From the Gate," dropping lines like, "To mics I do American things:
Kill 'em." The moronically misogynistic "2 Bitches" is a low point,
but he redeems himself somewhat with the poignant "You Don't Love
Me," an eloquently told story of the rapper's quest to find his
deadbeat dad, proof that even macho microphone fiends have a heart.
FROM THE VAULTS
"Endangered Species [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Big Pun
...more here.
Latino rapper Big Pun had an amazing way with words, and it shows
on "Endangered Species," a collection of his greatest hits
(including his collaboration with the Beatnuts, "Off the Books"),
collaborations, and rarities. Though at first glance it might seem
like an attempt to profit on his recent passing, "Endangered
Species" is in fact a solid survey of the career of this pioneer.
"Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980-1985 [EXTRA TRACKS]"
Afrika Bambaataa
...more here.
Arguably the most important DJ in the history of hip-hop, Afrika
Bambaataa's work has been hard to find on CD until now. "Looking for
the Perfect Beat" should satisfy fans with a jones for Bam, as it
includes all of his landmark slices of electrofunk ("Planet Rock,"
"Zulu Nation Throwdown") plus some rarities. It's a great addition
to any collection.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
"Red Hot + Indigo"
Various Artists
...more here.
"Money Jungle," a fusion of hip-hop and jazz from the excellent
Ellingtonian collection "Red Hot + Indigo," is a lushly orchestrated
social critique that combines the considerable mic skills of "Black
Star" (Talib Kweli and Mos Def) with bass great Ron Carter's
brilliance.
Go to "Money Jungle" download
...more here.
Go to all Hip-Hop downloads
...more here.
"Stay Human"
Spearhead
Our price: $12.99 | You save: $3.98
...more here.
Who is this generation's Marvin Gaye? It may well be Spearhead
leader Michael Franti. He sings and raps from the heart, haunted by
hollow words and hypocrisy. Stay Human is Franti's What's Going On,
a risky, gorgeous album that dissects our society's sicknesses and
posits soul music as a cure. This music is equal parts hip-hop
attitude, R&B grooves, and poetic intelligence. A must-have.
"Miss E...So Addictive [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Missy Elliott
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $4.98
...more here.
Missy Elliott's latest straddles the line between R&B and
hip-hop, but with Timbaland's amazing production, who cares what
it's called? Professional stutterer Elliott's rhyming and singing
skills leave a lot to be desired, but the beats almost make up for
her weaknesses.
"Infectious [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Jigmastas
Our price: $15.99 | You save: $1.98
...more here.
Brooklyn's Jigmastas have it made: DJ Spinna provides supple,
bottom-heavy beats and MC Kriminul rocks the mike. Guest spots from
the cream of hip-hop's underground keep it moving.
"Thugs Are Us [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Trick Daddy
Our price: $14.99 | You save: $2.98
...more here.
Everybody's favorite Dirty South thug is back with another set of
his catchy criminal music. Trick Daddy's filthy, ignorant rhymes and
the funked-up production of his team bring gems like the upbeat
James Brown-jacking single, "Take It to da House."
COMING SOON
"Cuts for Luck & Scars for Free [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Mystic
Our price: $12.32 | You save: $0.65
...more here.
Bay Area singer/rapper Mystic could well be the next Lauryn Hill.
She's got the vocal chops and the rap skills, plus a healthy dose of
intelligence and social consciousness. The beats on her debut are
covered by the Angel, Chops, and Spontaneous, underground royalty.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"Genocide & Juice [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Coup
Our price: $11.97
...more here.
Oakland's the Coup are amazing. Rapper Boots Riley is one of the
most underrated MCs in hip-hop, astoundingly talented and yet seldom
name-checked. He combines Ice Cube's anger and the razor-sharp wit
of Oscar Wilde. Though Dead Prez may be making the most visible
hardcore political hip-hop around, in some ways the Coup does it
better: they've got a sense of humor and they've got the funk. With
DJ Pam the Funkstress's turntable skills and Boots's brilliant
lyrics, Genocide and Juice incorporates slithering funk grooves that
would make George Clinton proud. This ain't Snoop.
SPOTLIGHT: MF DOOM
"Black Bastards"
Kmd
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...more here.
Never released due to its controversial cover, which features a
Sambo figure being hanged, 1994's Black Bastards is a great
testament to the early '90s' new school of rap, with its irreverence
and glee. It's also well worth the wait, with a collage of upbeat
jazz and hilarious rhymes, in the tradition of De La Soul's Three
Feet High and Rising.
"Operation: Doomsday"
Mf Doom
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...more here.
Years since his career in KMD, MF Doom is still making that molten
music with his mouth. Though his rhyme style is more deliberate and
less lighthearted now (no wonder, given that his partner-in-rhyme
and brother was killed, and his record label didn't have the guts to
put out his album), he's still a very creative artist. On Operation:
Doomsday, he incorporates a comic-book theme into his rhymes, with
archvillains and heroes duking it out in the album's interludes.
With head-nodding, buttery beats and authoritative rhymes, Doom is
back with a vengeance.
PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT
"Hi-Teknology"
Hi-Tek
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $2.98
...more here.
After making his mark working with Black Star and Reflection
Eternal, Cincinnati rhythm king Hi-Tek is back with his very own
album. Here, he further demonstrates his deftness with voluptuous
bass-heavy beats, customized for A-list guest MCs.
"Petestrumentals"
Pete Rock
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...more here.
Legendary producer Pete Rock is back with his own instrumental
collection, part of the U.K.'s BBE Records' Beat Generation series.
Rock's gorgeous, fat beats have always been some of the best in
hip-hop, and here they hold their own, in spite of not having an MC
to play off of.
BACK IN THE DAYS
"Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980-1985 [EXTRA TRACKS]"
Afrika Bambaataa
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $2.98
...more here.
Although Afrika Bambaataa is one of the most influential DJs in the
history of hip-hop, it's not easy to find his work if you're not a
vinyl fiend. This new compilation fills the void. Part of Tommy
Boy's 20th Anniversary Series, it includes all of Bambaataa's
seminal sides, like "Planet Rock," "Renegades of Funk," and "Zulu
Nation Throwdown."
"Wild Pitch Classics [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Our price: $11.97
...more here.
Wild Pitch was one of the most important independent hip-hop labels
of the early '90s, with acts like Gang Starr, Main Source, and Chill
Rob G on its roster. This excellent collection compiles some of Wild
Pitch's greatest moments, including tracks like Main Source's
seminal "Live at the Barbeque," which includes Nas's blazing first
recorded verse. It also features O.C.'s "Time's Up," an all-time
classic, and the Coup's bumping "Dig It." A great introduction to
the cream of the early-'90s underground.
RAP READING
"The White Boy Shuffle"
Paul Beatty
Our price: $10.40 | You save: $2.60
...more here.
Author Paul Beatty's been called the poet laureate of the hip-hop
generation, and with good reason. It doesn't get much better than
this book. Beatty is one of the most astute observers of race
relations since Franz Fanon, and he actually has a sense of humor as
well. The White Boy Shuffle is the type of book that will make you
laugh so hard you cry, and vice versa. The characters are so vividly
drawn, and the language so round-the-way that you'll feel like
you're there. Brilliant!
NEW AND NOTABLE Posted 2 MAY 2001
"Second Nature"
All Natural
...more here.
Chicago crew All Natural are one of the most articulate, intelligent
voices in the underground. When MC Avenger Capitol D took some time
off after converting to Islam, many worried that All Natural would
go AWOL. Fortunately, however, they're back with "Second Nature" on
Chicago indie label Thrill Jockey, serving up more of those great
beats and rhymes we've learned to expect from them.
"Yin & The Yang [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Cappadonna
...more here.
One of the Wu-Tang's extended core, Cappadonna's sophomore set
combines the familiar (his stream-of-consciousness, trademark-Wu
flow) with the surprising (an appearance by Jermaine Dupri and Da
Brat). "The Yin and the Yang" is certainly appropriately named.
"Exit Wounds (2001 Film) [EXPLICIT LYRICS] [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists - Soundtrack
...more here.
Given the violent histories of both DMX and Steven Seagal (on wax
and on screen, respectively), it's no surprise that the soundtrack
to their new movie, "Exit Wounds," is a little on the aggro side.
With tracks from A-list MCs like Redman and Nas, it's an appropriate
accompaniment to this street story.
"Up Close & Personal [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Angie Martinez
...more here.
Being an MC may seem simple at first glance: you just have to rhyme
words together. But hearing well-connected New York City radio
personality Angie Martinez attempting to rock the mic makes one
appreciate what a real MC sounds like, including those she features
on her debut album (like Jay Z, Kool G Rap, and Snoop Dogg).
Martinez should definitely not give up her day job, but some of the
beats on "Up Close and Personal" are pretty tight.
COMING SOON
"Infectious [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Jigmastas
...more here.
Brooklyn's Jigmastas may have surfaced in the underground five years
ago, but "Infectious" is their full-length debut. With beats from
the excellent DJ Spinna, and substantial lyrics, they've got it
made.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"By Design [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Grand Agent
...more here.
Grand Agent's confident debut, "By Design," is straight-up,
well-prepared hip-hop. The Philly native tussles nimbly with
well-muscled beats of the DJ Premier school, as on "Rap Niggaz" and
"From the Gate," dropping lines like, "To mics I do American things:
Kill 'em." The moronically misogynistic "2 Bitches" is a low point,
but he redeems himself somewhat with the poignant "You Don't Love
Me," an eloquently told story of the rapper's quest to find his
deadbeat dad, proof that even macho microphone fiends have a heart.
FROM THE VAULTS
"Endangered Species [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Big Pun
...more here.
Latino rapper Big Pun had an amazing way with words, and it shows
on "Endangered Species," a collection of his greatest hits
(including his collaboration with the Beatnuts, "Off the Books"),
collaborations, and rarities. Though at first glance it might seem
like an attempt to profit on his recent passing, "Endangered
Species" is in fact a solid survey of the career of this pioneer.
"Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980-1985 [EXTRA TRACKS]"
Afrika Bambaataa
...more here.
Arguably the most important DJ in the history of hip-hop, Afrika
Bambaataa's work has been hard to find on CD until now. "Looking for
the Perfect Beat" should satisfy fans with a jones for Bam, as it
includes all of his landmark slices of electrofunk ("Planet Rock,"
"Zulu Nation Throwdown") plus some rarities. It's a great addition
to any collection.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
"Red Hot + Indigo"
Various Artists
...more here.
"Money Jungle," a fusion of hip-hop and jazz from the excellent
Ellingtonian collection "Red Hot + Indigo," is a lushly orchestrated
social critique that combines the considerable mic skills of "Black
Star" (Talib Kweli and Mos Def) with bass great Ron Carter's
brilliance.
Go to "Money Jungle" download
...more here.
Go to all Hip-Hop downloads
...more here.
Editor, Elizabeth Mendez Berry
associates of amazon.com,bn,tower,cdnow
"Welcome To Detroit"
Jay Dee
...order here
Producer extraordinaire Jay Dee's first solo album provides further
evidence for the Low End Theory. Beautiful, bass-heavy beats are
accentuated by raps from some of his Detroit colleagues as well as soul
singers and obscure samples.
"Until The End Of Time [PA]"
2Pac
...order here
Extremely prolific in life and in death, completed Tupac albums continue to
surface: This one's a double album. Makaveli's still rocking the mic right.
"Take It Or Squeeze It [PA]"
The Beatnuts
...order here
Queens crew the Beatnuts continue to deliver their semi-winning combination
of bouncy beats and insipid lyrics on their latest album. Treats include
the first single "No Escapin' This" and the flute-laced "Mayonnaise."
"Thugs R Us [PA]"
Trick Daddy
...order here
Mr. Nan returns with another slab of dirty Southern hip-hop. Lead single
"Take It to Da House" is a fat slice of funk, and the rest of the album is
as much fun as you can expect from everybody's favorite thug.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"Global Warning"
Rascalz
...order here
With one of 2000's tightest singles, "Top of the World" (featuring
Barrington Levy before Shyne did), "Global Warning" is real hip-hop from
top to bottom. Vancouver's Rascalz have been making intelligent, bangin'
music for years, and with their third studio album they further demonstrate
their ability to unite dope beats and rhymes.
LADIES OF THE '80S
"All Hail The Queen"
Queen Latifah
...order here
For those who don't know, before she had a TV show, Latifah got to be the
Queen by being one of the best rappers around. She represents a perfect
blend of intelligence, flow, and positivity. "All Hail the Queen" is one of
the landmarks of late '80s rap, combining a funk aesthetic with
Afrocentrism and womanism. And "Ladies First" is the anthem of a
generation.
"Lyte As A Rock"
M.C. Lyte
...order here
On her 1988 debut, "Lyte as a Rock," savvy Brooklyn native MC Lyte balanced
her obvious battle skills with perceptive street-corner observations,
delivered fresh over funky drum-machine beats (provided by Audio Two and
Prince Paul, among others). Delivering hilarious punch lines and a lot of
attitude, MC Lyte is the template for serious female rappers who sell
skills, not skin.
THE ROOTS OF RAP
"And It's Deep Too! The Complete... [BOX SET]"
Richard Pryor
...order here
One of the greatest comedians ever, Richard Pryor's keen sense of humor and
raunchy aesthetic provided a template for many rappers who like it R-A-W.
Though rap tends to be more serious than Pryor, in general, many MCs cite
him as one of their biggest inspirations: He was a gifted observer of
ghetto life.
READIN' ABOUT RAPPIN'
"Rap Attack 3"
David Toop
...order here
Originally written in 1984 and updated twice since then, David Toop's
exhaustive, beautifully written chronicle of the birth and life of the
hip-hop nation is written with a warmth and appreciation that escapes most
books on the subject. Through many interviews with both old-school and
new-school stars, and his own love for the beats, he adds a human element
to this history.
LIKE TO WATCH?
"Slam"
Marc Levin
...order here
Set in the late '90s slam poetry scene, one which has strong links to
freestyle rap battles, "Slam" is one of the best hip-hop movies ever.
Unlike many ghetto reality trips, "Slam"'s story is about personal
creativity as freedom. Star Saul Williams (a poet in real life) imbues the
movie with a gorgeous intensity and lyricism that makes most recorded
rappers look like amateurs. A must-see.
Editor, Elizabeth Mendez Berry © 2001 amazon.com and associate ncdn
Jay Dee
...order here
Producer extraordinaire Jay Dee's first solo album provides further evidence for the Low End Theory. Beautiful, bass-heavy beats are accentuated by raps from some of his Detroit colleagues as well as soul singers and obscure samples.
"Until The End Of Time [PA]"
2Pac
...order here
Extremely prolific in life and in death, completed Tupac albums continue to
surface: This one's a double album. Makaveli's still rocking the mic right.
"Take It Or Squeeze It [PA]"
The Beatnuts
...order here
Queens crew the Beatnuts continue to deliver their semi-winning combination
of bouncy beats and insipid lyrics on their latest album. Treats include
the first single "No Escapin' This" and the flute-laced "Mayonnaise."
"Thugs R Us [PA]"
Trick Daddy
...order here
Mr. Nan returns with another slab of dirty Southern hip-hop. Lead single
"Take It to Da House" is a fat slice of funk, and the rest of the album is
as much fun as you can expect from everybody's favorite thug.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"Global Warning"
Rascalz
...order here
With one of 2000's tightest singles, "Top of the World" (featuring
Barrington Levy before Shyne did), "Global Warning" is real hip-hop from
top to bottom. Vancouver's Rascalz have been making intelligent, bangin'
music for years, and with their third studio album they further demonstrate
their ability to unite dope beats and rhymes.
LADIES OF THE '80S
"All Hail The Queen"
Queen Latifah
...order here
For those who don't know, before she had a TV show, Latifah got to be the
Queen by being one of the best rappers around. She represents a perfect
blend of intelligence, flow, and positivity. "All Hail the Queen" is one of
the landmarks of late '80s rap, combining a funk aesthetic with
Afrocentrism and womanism. And "Ladies First" is the anthem of a
generation.
"Lyte As A Rock"
M.C. Lyte
...order here
On her 1988 debut, "Lyte as a Rock," savvy Brooklyn native MC Lyte balanced
her obvious battle skills with perceptive street-corner observations,
delivered fresh over funky drum-machine beats (provided by Audio Two and
Prince Paul, among others). Delivering hilarious punch lines and a lot of
attitude, MC Lyte is the template for serious female rappers who sell
skills, not skin.
THE ROOTS OF RAP
"And It's Deep Too! The Complete... [BOX SET]"
Richard Pryor
...order here
One of the greatest comedians ever, Richard Pryor's keen sense of humor and
raunchy aesthetic provided a template for many rappers who like it R-A-W.
Though rap tends to be more serious than Pryor, in general, many MCs cite
him as one of their biggest inspirations: He was a gifted observer of
ghetto life.
READIN' ABOUT RAPPIN'
"Rap Attack 3"
David Toop
...order here
Originally written in 1984 and updated twice since then, David Toop's
exhaustive, beautifully written chronicle of the birth and life of the
hip-hop nation is written with a warmth and appreciation that escapes most
books on the subject. Through many interviews with both old-school and
new-school stars, and his own love for the beats, he adds a human element
to this history.
LIKE TO WATCH?
"Slam"
Marc Levin
...order here
Set in the late '90s slam poetry scene, one which has strong links to
freestyle rap battles, "Slam" is one of the best hip-hop movies ever.
Unlike many ghetto reality trips, "Slam"'s story is about personal
creativity as freedom. Star Saul Williams (a poet in real life) imbues the
movie with a gorgeous intensity and lyricism that makes most recorded
rappers look like amateurs. A must-see.
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